Butler was last seen in the 10400 block of Alcott Street in Houston, Texas at 10:30 a.m. on March 10, 2002. He left that location driving a black Chevrolet pickup truck. He planned to travel to Sommerville or Brenham, Texas during the day, purchase a used Harley Davidson motorcycle and then return to his home in the 1000 block of Adventure Trail in Marble Falls, Texas.

Butler never arrived at his destination and has not been heard from again. His truck was found abandoned, parked near a friend's house, not long after his disappearance. Butler's Texas driver's license was inside the vehicle, but his dog, named Lucky, was missing. Butler had been arrested multiple times on weapons charges prior to his disappearance. Foul play is suspected in his case.